Burbank Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, November 15, 2003
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 84
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 15, 2003
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: One killed; One sentenced to life
Officer Matthew Pavelka was shot and killed while backing up another officer investigating a suspicious vehicle at 1845 hours at the Ramada Inn 2900 N. San Fernando Boulevard in Burbank.
The driver of the vehicle was unable to produce a driver's license or vehicle registration before both occupants exited the car, each with two handguns, and opened fire on the officers. The suspects fired over 30 rounds from the handguns, striking both officers.
Although critically wounded, both officers were able to return fire and killed one of the suspects. The second suspect escaped but was captured two weeks later in Tijuana, Mexico. Several semi-automatic rifles and methamphetamine were also found in the vehicle during the ensuing investigation.
The suspect was captured and on July 24, 2012, was finally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His two brothers were previously arrested and charged with aiding in his escape. Both brothers were found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Officer Pavelka was a United States Air Force veteran with the security police. He had only served with the Burbank Police Department for 10 months. Officer Pavelka was survived by his parents, brother, and girlfriend. His father was a 29-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department.
In 2004, the portion of State Highway Route 5 between West Burbank Boulevard in the City of Burbank and Hollywood Way in the City of Los Angeles in the County of Los Angeles was designated as the Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka Memorial Freeway.
There are memorial scholarship funds in Officer Pavelka's name with the Burbank Little League and the Burbank Police Department.